PKL 12 Eliminated Teams: The league stage of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) has officially come to an end, and what a thrilling ride it has been! From last-minute thrillers to unexpected upsets, this season gave kabaddi fans everything they could ask for.
As per the new format, the top 8 teams from the league stage have qualified for the next round and will now battle it out for the prestigious trophy. Unfortunately, four teams have been eliminated from the playoff race, bringing an end to their PKL 12 campaign.
Despite having star players and strong squads, these teams couldn’t perform consistently enough to make it to the top 8. Let’s take a closer look at all four teams that have missed out on the playoffs this season.
1. Bengal Warriors – A Season Full of Missed Opportunities
For the Bengal Warriors, PKL 12 turned out to be a season of disappointment. The team managed to win only 6 out of their 18 matches, struggling to find balance and momentum throughout.
Their hopes largely rested on Devank Dalal, who justified his hefty auction price with a phenomenal individual season. Dalal scored an impressive 271 raid points, finishing among the top raiders of the league.
However, his heroics weren’t enough to lift the team. Bengal’s defense looked disjointed, and the support raiders failed to step up when it mattered the most. The lack of coordination between the defensive and raiding units proved costly, leading to an early elimination for the former champions.
2. Gujarat Giants – Big Names, Big Price Tags, But Poor Results
The Gujarat Giants made headlines during the PKL 12 auction by signing Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui for a massive amount. Expectations were sky-high, but the season didn’t unfold as planned.
The team struggled to find rhythm and chemistry on the mat. Shadloui’s inconsistent form further added to their problems. Although Gujarat tried to stage a comeback in the latter half of the tournament, they lost a few crucial games, which ended their playoff hopes.
With only 6 wins from 18 matches, Gujarat Giants ended their campaign in the lower half of the points table — a major setback for a team built to challenge for the title.
3. Tamil Thalaivas – Controversy Overshadows Potential
On paper, Tamil Thalaivas looked like one of the strongest teams in PKL 12. With the likes of Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, Narender Kandola, and Nitesh Kumar, the squad appeared balanced and powerful. But what followed was a season marred by poor performances and internal controversies.
Midway through the season, the management released Pawan Sehrawat due to disciplinary issues — a move that shocked fans. The decision exposed internal rifts within the camp. Head coach Sanjeev Baliyan and captain Arjun Deshwal openly blamed the management for poor decisions, alleging that they were not given the authority to select the starting seven.
Reports also suggested that unfit players were chosen over fit ones, which created further discontent. The team eventually managed to win only 6 out of 18 games, ending their campaign well outside the top 8. For a side full of superstars, it was undoubtedly a forgettable season.
4. UP Yoddhas – Promising Start, But Lost Steam Midway
The UP Yoddhas entered PKL 12 with a lot of promise. They retained their core players and added talented raiders like Guman Singh to strengthen their lineup. Initially, things looked good as they started the season on a positive note.
However, inconsistency soon became their biggest enemy. The team failed to convert close matches into wins and lacked the finishing touch in crunch moments. Despite flashes of brilliance, UP Yoddhas couldn’t build the momentum required for a playoff run.
With 7 wins from 18 games, they finished ninth on the points table, just outside the qualifying zone. It was a frustrating season for both the team and their fans, considering the potential they had on paper.
What’s Next in Pro Kabaddi 2025?
Now that the playoff lineup is set, all eyes are on the PKL 12 Final, scheduled to take place on October 31. With eight teams still in contention, the stage is perfectly set for an electrifying finish to the season.
This year, several young Indian players have impressed with their fearless performances, while a few big names struggled to find consistency. As the race for the trophy heats up, fans can expect more drama, intensity, and unforgettable kabaddi moments.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi League 2025: When Will the Final Match Take Place? Playoff Dates Explained
The elimination of Bengal Warriors, Gujarat Giants, Tamil Thalaivas, and UP Yoddhas serves as a reminder that star power alone doesn’t win championships — teamwork, strategy, and consistency do.
For these four teams, PKL 12 will be a season of lessons, introspection, and preparation for a stronger comeback next year. Meanwhile, kabaddi lovers can look forward to an action-packed finale as the battle for PKL 12 glory continues.
